The Antioch Movie Theatre has been an icon on Main Street for years. There are countless stories of first movies and first dates happening in that small theater. But recently, the theater has faced the possibility of closing down.

Movies are now being sent to theaters in a new digital format that requires older theaters to update their technology in order to show movies. This renovation costs thousands of dollars. With the fact that the Antioch Theater is a smaller business, the theater cannot currently afford this change as well as updating the rest of the theater.

In addition to changing to the digital format for movies, the theater is adding a second screen, updating the building itself, buying new seats, and much more. The estimated total cost for all of these improvements is around $700,000.

The second screen will be located in the old cigar shop east of the theater. It will be a smaller theater that will hopefully allow for more profit. The second theater will also give the community a better rotation of movies.

“Unfortunately, it is not enough to sell popcorn and show a movie anymore. The Antioch Theatre has to keep the charm of yesteryear but must reinvent a part of itself by offering something no other theatre in the area offers,” said Cindy Kottke, current owner of the Antioch Theatre.

In addition, the theater has added their participation in the “Kickstarter” program. This program allows donors to purchase packages for movies, popcorn, stars, etc. until a certain goal is reached. If the goal is not reached, then no donor actually pays.

Part of this program is the stars that will be on display around the theater. Each star has the name of a donor inside, and the design varies depending on the amount donated. There will also be granite stars displayed on the sidewalk in front of the theater.

There are many changes that will be necessary to keep the Antioch Theatre up and running. The community has given overwhelming support to help make these updates happen.

“This is a hurry up and wait kind of project,” said Kottke. With the support of the community, the theatre will hopefully have the support it needs to keep this project moving.